ISLAMABAD: Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has sent notices to cricketers Sharjeel Khan, Nasir Jamshed, Khalid Latif and Muhammad Irfan for their alleged role in spot fixing during Pakistan Super League 2017.

According to a spokesperson of interior ministry, the cricketers have been asked to appear and record their statement on March 20 and 21.

The spokesperson further said that the FIA started the inquiry after a formal request from Pakistan Cricket Board.

‘Will treat spot-fixing as a crime’

Earlier during a press conference, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar said that such players have become a blemish on the country’s honour.

He said that it is a serious issue, emphasising that it is about the country’s image and honour, and not just about the Pakistan Cricket Board. “It is not merely a personal act [on the part of the players],” he said.

The interior minister said that apart from the investigation being carried out by the PCB, a parallel probe is being carried by the FIA.

“PCB can ban players; it cannot send them to jail or file a FIR against them,” he said, adding that the FIA has been directed to treat the issue as a crime.

Sharjeel and Khalid were unceremoniously sent home after the first match of the PSL last month and were later charged in a corruption probe that threatened to undermine the tournament.

Mohammad Irfan continued to play in the tournament. However, he was suspended after the tournament concluded.

If convicted the players face life bans for violating the board’s anti-corruption code by allegedly meeting a suspicious man linked to an international betting syndicate.